Hello Friends,

I’m reaching out with a short, three-email series over the next 60 days to keep you informed about Wilmette’s local elections, with specific focus on our Park District. This list was created from the contacts I’ve made in Wilmette over the years. If you’d like to unsubscribe, you can do so below—but I recommend staying on until my last email so you don’t forget to vote. Local elections matter.

Take These Three Steps to Be Election- Ready

✔ Check your voter registration – ensure you’re registered to vote in Wilmette.
✔ Make a voting plan – decide whether you’ll vote by mail, early (starting March 17th), or on Election Day on April 1st.
✔ Get informed – stay tuned, resources will be available soon:

• The League of Women Voters Guide (pending)

• The Record candidate interviews (pending)

• The League of Women Voters candidate forum (pending)

What’s at Stake?

The Park District faces several major issues that will impact Wilmette for years to come:

• Hiring a New Executive Director – The next Board will conduct a national search to replace the Executive Director, a decision that will shape the Park District’s future for the next decade.

• Major Capital Projects – WPD is managing $12 million plus in ongoing capital expenditures in key locations:

  o  Gillson Park – completing the infrastructure improvement plan.

  o  Langdon Beach – finalizing shoreline protection and reopening.

  o  Hibbard Park – implementing pickleball and playground enhancements funded in part by an OSLAD grant.

• Technology Modernization – While progress has been made, the WPD Board must continue driving improvements to Park District technology systems to enhance registration, services, and efficiency.

• Financial & Strategic Planning – The Board will need to oversee major decisions, including the Big Tree Lane property purchase and capital improvements to the Wilmette Golf Club, which require experienced financial leadership.

One notable issue is the swimming area at South Beach in Gillson Park. Focus groups have completed their work and will report back to the Board. Armed with that information and public input, I expect additional modifications to ensure the WPD lakefront is safe, accessible, and affordable. This will certainly be an election focus.

Why This Matters

Local government directly impacts daily life and voting in Wilmette is quick and easy.

Wilmette is very smart and your voice is heard. We need board members with depth, intelligence, and a willingness to listen.

I aim to be objective in these emails, though I understand perspectives may differ. If you stick around for all three, I hope they provide useful, nonpartisan election updates.

As someone engaged in Wilmette’s civic world, I believe informed voting strengthens our community. If this email helps even one person make a more informed vote, then it’s done its job.

Sincerely,

Patrick Lahey